Tourism

A feasibility study has been conducted in cooperation with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to upgrade Nyaung-U Airport near Bagan ancient cultural region into a green airport, said Win Khant, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The plan was initiated by the ministry and JICA as Myanmar tries to enlist Bagan region as UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site. The feasibility study was financed by JICA.

Arrivals of international tourists in community based tourism villages of Nyaungshwe and Kyauktalone townships in southern Shan State are on the increase, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

The Nyaungshwe and Kyauktalone townships received winner awards at a tourism fair held in Berlin, Germany. Now, more foreign tourists are coming to Pao ethnic villages in these townships where community based tourism project is being implemented.

Myanmar's first Mingalar open-top bus service has been launched as a trial run in Yangon.

For the time being, the bus will be running mainly for foreign tourists. Mingalar Bus Company started running pen-top buses, which have gained popularity in global cities including London, in Yangon on March 18. Buses run at 7 am and 5 pm separately daily and the trial run period will last until the end of this month.

Although open-top buses mainly target foreign tourists during peak season, local passengers can also enjoy a ride.

Officials from the US-based World Monuments Fund (WMF) on February 8 visited Soe Win's brokerage firm on 86th Street in Mandalay Region and studied the ancestrally owned 180-year-old teak bed and trunk of the late Amarapura Period.

WMF Programme Director Jeffery Allen said his organisation would provide technology to maintain the property.

These ancient teak bed and trunk are believed to be owned by Pakhan commissioner Yan Wai in Pakhan region, Pakokku Township, Magway Region, and they have been maintained by ancestors. They were then moved to Mandalay in 2015.